Total Wipeout axed: BBC cancels popular assault course game show

Total Wipeout is to be axed after the next series, with the BBC choosing to end the wacky Richard Hammond-fronted show after ‘four very successful series’.

Total Wipeout is to deflate its Big Red Balls (Picture: BBC)

The show, hosted by Amanda Byram and Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, will return for one more series in its usual teatime Saturday slot before being shelved.

A BBC spokesperson said: ‘After four very successful series of Total Wipeout – and one series of Winter Wipeout – the BBC has taken the decision that the next series, due to transmit later this year, will be the last.’

Total Wipeout sees 20 contestants kitted out with elbow pads and a helmet as they attempt to navigate a padded assault course without plummeting into water below, with rounds including Sucker Punch, the Cradles of Doom and the notoriously tricky Big Red Balls.

Total Wipeout proved that if nothing else, Britain is a nation that loves watching people fall into water (Picture: BBC)

The show quickly became popular with viewers more for its spectacular falls than its competitive element, but has seen a slow decline in viewers since 2010.

Amanda Byram recently indicated that she may tackle the Total Wipeout course herself against her better judgement, saying: ‘I make a living out of laughing at people falling over on that course, that’s probably the biggest reason why I don’t want to do it.

‘We’re talking about possibly doing it for Comic Relief next year, so yes if it’s for charity.’